2024-01297. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13. Comments are requested regarding whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Comments regarding this information collection received by February 23, 2024 will be considered. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice on the following website www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting “Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments” or by using the search function.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Food Safety and Inspection Service

Title: Small and Very Small Establishment Outreach Survey.

OMB Control Number: 0583–NEW.

Summary of Collection: FSIS has been delegated the authority to exercise the functions of the Secretary (7 CFR 2.18 and 2.53), as specified in the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) (21 U.S.C. 601, et seq.), the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) (21 U.S.C. 451, et seq.), and the Egg Products Inspection Act (EPIA) (21 U.S.C. 1031, et seq.). These statutes mandate that FSIS protect the public by verifying that meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled.

Need and Use of the Information: FSIS plans to use a multi-language survey to solicit feedback from small and very small establishment owners to ascertain how FSIS can better service the needs of small and very small establishments and improve outreach to them. This survey is one of many ways FSIS is working to bring equity—that is, consistent and systematic treatment of all individuals in a fair, just, and impartial manner, including individuals who belong to communities that often have been denied such treatment—to small and very small establishments. Results will inform the Agency on ways to improve engagement with, and outreach to, small and very small establishments, particularly those in underrepresented communities. Without this study, FSIS could lack useful information that would help the Agency better service the needs of small and very small establishments.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 5,000.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 168.

Levi S. Harrell,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.